PTO Accrual Calculator
See how much paid time off you earn each pay period or per hour worked. Compare accrual rates and view a full-year timeline.
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Your Results
80 ÷ 26 periods = 3.08 hrs
3.08 × 26 periods = 80 hrs
| Month | Accrued | Balance |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6.67 h | 6.67 h |
| February | 6.67 h | 13.33 h |
| March | 6.67 h | 20.00 h |
| April | 6.67 h | 26.67 h |
| May | 6.67 h | 33.33 h |
| June | 6.67 h | 40.00 h |
| July | 6.67 h | 46.67 h |
| August | 6.67 h | 53.33 h |
| September | 6.67 h | 60.00 h |
| October | 6.67 h | 66.67 h |
| November | 6.67 h | 73.33 h |
| December | 6.67 h | 80.00 h |
How PTO Accrual Works
Enter your annual PTO allowance and pay schedule (or hours worked) above. You see accrual per period, total annual accrual, and a month-by-month breakdown. Accrual methods are set by employer policy; this tool models the math. For earning rules and examples, see How PTO Accrual Works. Leaving your job? Use the PTO Payout Calculator for gross, tax, and net estimates.
Compare Accrual Methods
Paid time off can accrue per pay period (for example 4.6 hours every two weeks), per hour worked (common for part-time jobs), or as an annual lump sum. Per-period accrual is easiest to predict; per-hour accrual scales with hours worked; lump sum grants the full balance at once. Use the comparison section above to see how the same annual allowance differs under each method.
Estimates only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Overtime and PTO rules vary by state, employer policy, and individual circumstances. Results are for informational purposes. Consult a qualified professional or your state labor agency for definitive guidance. See our Terms of Service.
Last updated: June 13, 2026 · Reviewed by SmartOvertime Editorial · How we calculate
PTO Accrual FAQ
Divide your annual PTO hours by the number of pay periods per year for per-period accrual (e.g., 80 ÷ 26 ≈ 3.08 hours per biweekly period). For per-hour-worked accrual, divide annual PTO by your annual hours worked (e.g., 80 ÷ 2,080 ≈ 0.0385 hours per hour). Use the calculator above to try different methods and see a full-year breakdown.
Per pay period accrual gives you a fixed amount of PTO each pay period (e.g., about 3.08 hours every two weeks on 80 annual hours and biweekly pay). Per hour worked accrual ties PTO to the hours you actually work—common for part-time or variable schedules. Both can add up to the same annual total; the method affects when and how you earn it.
Check your offer letter, employee handbook, or HR portal. Many employers offer 10–15 days (80–120 hours) per year for full-time employees, with increases based on tenure.
Yes. Accrual math is the same regardless of state. State laws mainly affect whether unused PTO must be paid out at termination and whether use-it-or-lose-it is allowed—use our PTO payout calculator for state-specific payout rules when you leave a job.